Countries are outlawing online gambling ads. Meta is selling them anyway
Despite bans in numerous countries, Meta continues to profit from advertising illegal online gambling operations, frustrating lawmakers and regulators.Summary
A Rest of World analysis reveals that Meta is actively selling advertisements for online gambling in countries where it is prohibited by law, including India, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand. Despite outlining policies to prohibit such ads in 18 ‘unsupported markets’ across Asia and the Middle East, the platform continues to host hundreds of ads promoting these illegal operations. These ads often lure users with promises of quick withdrawals, loss rescue, and bonuses, directing them to websites or apps where they can link bank accounts for gambling. Authorities in several countries, including the Philippines and Malaysia, have expressed frustration with Meta’s lack of cooperation in removing these ads, with Malaysia’s communications minister citing over 120,000 content removal requests. A recent Reuters investigation found that Meta earned over $16 billion from fraudulent ads, including those promoting illegal gambling, highlighting the financial incentive for the company to continue allowing these ads to run.
(Source：Google News)